The presentation ceremony, held yesterday in Mandinaba, aimed to equip children with the tools needed to succeed academically, despite challenges such as limited access to resources and long commutes to school.
Founded in 2018, The Rural Child is a grassroots initiative committed to supporting rural education, community development, health, and human rights. Volunteers, including educators and community leaders handed out backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, erasers, and textbooks tailored to the regional curriculum.
“These supplies aren’t just items; they’re a lifeline for children who might otherwise fall behind,” said Alhagie Jassey, the organisation’s Secretary. “Many of these students walk miles to school, and without basic materials, learning becomes a struggle.”
Mr Jassey reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to its guiding principle of “leaving no child behind,” noting that their support has reached children and women in communities such as Kunting, Bara, and Duwasu.
Beneficiaries of the initiative included children from families in Mandinaba, Kuloro, Tubakuta, Serrekundanding, and Busura; areas where economic hardship often forces families to prioritise survival over schooling.
Lamin Y. Dampha, the organisation’s Education Officer, expressed hope that the package would serve as a catalyst for improved academic performance among rural students. He assured beneficiaries that The Rural Child would continue to provide such opportunities to make their educational journeys fulfilling and inspiring.
Biram Bah, Advocacy Officer for the organisation, highlighted the impact of their programmes on student performance. “One of our most successful and life-changing activities is the career mentorship programme for students,” he said.
Maimuna Camara, sister of one of the recipients—9-year-old Kemo Camara, shared her excitement: “Now Kemo can carry his books safely and focus on studying instead of worrying about losing them.”
“We thank all those who made this possible. Your kindness has brought joy and motivation to many young hearts. These school bags are more than just gifts, they are symbols of hope, encouragement, and belief in our future,” she added.
The Rural Child plans to extend similar programmes to other rural communities in the coming years. Beneficiaries praised the initiative, noting its alignment with national goals to reduce dropout rates in rural Gambia.
The ceremony concluded with a success story from Isatou Tamba, a graduate of the organisation’s mentorship programme, who is now a certified community health nurse. Her journey underscored the transformative power of community-driven change.
